Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lake Wales honors three residents with lifesaving awards after CPR saved officer
Summary
The City of Lake Wales presented Lifesaving Awards to three residents (and acknowledged a fourth retired fire chief) for performing CPR on Feb. 16, 2026 and summoning Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County EMS, actions credited with saving the life of a police officer.
The City of Lake Wales on Monday recognized three residents for quick action on Feb. 16, 2026 that medical staff say helped save the life of a police officer. Chief Chris Velasquez of the Lake Wales Police Department presented the Lake Wales Police Department Lifesaving Award at the start of the commission meeting.
“Because of your decisive and selfless actions, the patient survived,” Chief Velasquez read from the award citation, recounting that the citizens called 911 and began CPR until Lake Wales Fire Department and Polk County EMS arrived. Velasquez noted a fourth person involved in the incident is retired Fire Chief Jerry Brown, who assisted on scene.
One of the people who was helped addressed the chamber briefly and thanked the citizens for their actions. “I can’t thank you enough,” the person said during remarks at the dais.
City officials gathered recipients and family members for photographs before the commission proceeded with the evening’s agenda.
